I went to my pain mgmt doc a few days before Thanksgiving. I've been on Cymbalta for about 2 yrs but my pain has been getting worse. The doc gave me a drug called Savella, and told me to wean off Cymbalta at the same time I start Savella. OMG! It's been the worst 10 days ever.

I have been yelling at everyone, crying over everything, throwing up, dizzy, headache, ringing in ears, blurry vision + on top of increased pain. It took me until yesterday to finally realize it was not going to get better and that I needed to stop the Savella completely. I've never had a drug make me feel this crazy. I literally alternated between wanting to stab my husband on Thanksgiving Day and wanting to curl up in a ball and die. Horrible stuff. I really wish I would have waited until after the holidays to make this change. I had family visiting that I haven't seen in over a year, and my son was home (and it's the last time I'll see him before he deploys to Iraq in a couple weeks).

Well - this AM I had an appt with a new Neurologist. He gave me different drugs. Trieptal and Ryzolt. I googled them and can read up on them, but has anyone actually taken these? I'm soo afraid of taking more drugs that will screw up the chemicals in my brain more than they already are! I'm just now starting to feel normal enough to actually talk to people. I started bawling at the dr. appt today - so embarrassing and out of character for me.

I hope everyone had a good Thanksgiving. I'm hoping my family forgets this one...or at least realize that I'm not actually crazy - just temporarily drug induced crazy.

Anyways - not sure about the new drugs. If anyone has any suggestions, I will greatly appreciate them.

Aflady...we just had a young lady here just a few weeks ago that went on this med...and she also had a very tuf time of it....if it's the same med that I'm thinking of...it's fairly new...and I have yet to talk to someone that has liked the switch. I think the Fibro board might know about it too...but if you can hold off for just a bit...some of the veteran members will probably send you in a better direction than I can. ....anyway welcome to the CP forum....and please keep checking for replies from the members here...and post as much as you can.

Michael

Aflady...go ahead and pose the same question on the Fibro forum...I'm sure they will have some answers for you there as well....but keep checking here as well. I'm just sure this is the same med that the lady I know was taking...and it was a mess for her as well....I will check tonight with her...and get back with you late tonight or early tomorrow. Your friend...Michael

I've had some bad reactions to medicines, Oxycodone made me feel very weirdLyrica made me throw up every hour on the hour for over 15 hours, came close to being dehydrated..so yeah a lot of us have had hit or miss on the pain medicine, it could've been a combination ofyour withdrawal off the cymbalta,and being on a new medicine... I had withdrawals when I was taken off the cymbalta but only gotnauseated, but mood swings can happen and make note of this..start keeping track of the meds you've triedas a future reference as to what not to use....Hopefully you'll get that right combination of meds thatwill help you, soon....HUGZ********************************************** * Asthma, Allergies, Osteoarthritis, Spinal Stenosis, Degenative Disc (Lower Lumbar S1-L3 and Cervical C5,C6, C8 and T1), Fibromyalgia, Gerd, Enlarged Pituitary Gland, Sjogren's, Ocular Migraines, mild carpel tunnel, ect.... "Would be nice if we could use the edit button in real life"...

Cymbalta is notorious for causing major problems when it is stopped, especially if you have been on it for some time. I will try to locate the information for you but if you google cymbalta and withdrawal , you should come up with some of the information on it.I'm sorry that your holiday was so messed up......and I hope that your family will understand. Withdrawing off a medication like Cymbalta and starting a new one like Savella, it is no surprise that you had the reaction that you did, although I am not sure that it was just the Savella alone that caused the problems.Good luck to you, SandiPLIF/TLIF Fusion w/Instrumentation L4-5 Spondololysthesis L4-5.Laminectomies L4-5, foraminal stenosis L3-4, L4-5, L5-S1, herniations L3-4, L4-5, L5-S1, central canal stenosis L3-4, L4-5 and L5-S1

POST OP CES 3/30-06

Neurogenic Bladder and Bowel, bilateral numbness legs and feet

Revision for failed Back surgery, pseudoarthrosis L4-5, hemilaminectomies L3-4, L4-5, L5-S1, bmp added to revision fusion, replaced two bent screws that were reversing out of vertebrae - August 2, 2007

On going back pain and neuropathic pain, failed back surgery, consult for scs, decided not to do that at this point.

Adhesive Arachnoiditis also......just what I didn't need..9/08- adding bilateral ulnar neuropathy with severe compression to the mix. They want me to see a surgeon for ulnar nerve surgery, but I'm not biting.

That sure was a rotten deal you had to endure. Sounds like the doctor didn't give you enough information on what 'might' happen. Savella has seemed to draw some strong criticisms here lately, but remember that we rare hear from those who have no problem with it. ;-)

The Cymbalta typically will give out in about 1-1/2 to 2 years at which time you would have to switch. But the doc sure needed to respect you a lot more when doing it. As far as the other medications go I've never heard of them at all. Obviously the doctor didn't fill you in enough or you wouldn't have concerns now. I would call the pharmacist and quiz them within an inch of his life!...lol Then get on the phone the doc and ask more questions. This is your body and your choice, but you need all of the information before you move forward. I do hope you find out what you need!

Good Evening AF! Ok....I talked to the young lady that has been taking the Savella that you have asked about. First...and I think all would agree here...call your PCD or PM and tell them what is going on since you have started taking it. Only they can make the adjustments if any are needed. OK...the lady told me that she is taking the 50mg....and that she started on a lower dose to start with...I think she said 25mg. She said that your suposed to work your way up on it...and that it takes a while for your body to get used to it as well. I can tell you that when she started taking it....it had some very odd effects on her....but of course she was taking other pain meds as well....and like Chutz said this may have some effect on how well you can accept it into your system. I have spoken with her several times by phone since she has started on it....and can tell you that she is a whole different person now. According to her, She has been able to wean herself off all other pain meds....and says that she is near pain free at this time. She still has a few bad days, but nothing like she used to. I have to caution you here...that the source of my information is a confessed former addict....and now attends AA I think twice a week...but not sure how many times she goes. I have followed her progress closley the last several weeks...and have seen a great change in her. However and this is important!...I'm by no means an expert...on any of this...and have only known this individual for the last 2mo. When she started on it she hated it...now a few week later...she says it's a Godsend. Again please ask the same question on the Fibro forum...and keep checking back here....and by all means call your PCD or PM as soon as possible....don't be afraid to ask them questions...as your probably paying for it anyway. What mg are you taking at this time? Please do keep us informed of your progress....as this is a fairly new med...and we know little about it here. I hope you get to feeling better soon...take care now...and keep in touch.

Sounds to me like the doc should have gotten the Cymbalta out before trying the Savella. There is a possibility that the Savella could have helped but with the combination of the two in your system at the same time how could you tell.

Make sure your PM doctor is aware of the meds that your neurologist has prescribed you. Not sure if you signed a contract at the PM doctors but all of your docs should be aware of all meds you are taking.

I've never heard of the new meds you mentioned either. It's probably best, like Chutz said to get more info from the pharmacist and your doctor.---Jag---